Tuesday, 31 May 2011

Two rapists who carried out "horrendous sexual attacks" while allegedly encouraged to humiliate one terrified victim by a young woman who filmed the ordeal on her mobile phone, are facing lengthy prison sentences after being convicted.

Jermaine Kraftner, 27,(pic.top) of Berkley Manor, 317 Poole Road, Branksome, Poole and his cousin Corrie Pinney, 35,(pic.middle) of Yardbridge Close, Sutton, South-West London were found guilty of multiple counts relating to two separate victims and will be sentenced on August 1.

Cassie Webb, 20,(pic.bottom) may be retried on a charge of aiding and abetting rape, in relation to the second victim after the jury failed to agree a verdict.

"Kraftner and Pinney launched a series of horrendous sexual attacks on both victims at Yardbridge Close," prosecutor Miss Hannah Llewellyn-Waters told the Croydon Crown Court jury.

"The attacks were designed to degrade and instil terror in both women for the defendants sense of power and self-gratification."

The second victim - a 21 year-old mini-cab controller - had arrived at the address on April 20, last year for an alcohol and cannabis party and was introduced by the defendants to Webb, who is known as 'Mercy'.

Monday, 30 May 2011

Police have offered a £20,000 reward in a bid to solve the murder riddle of a South Lambeth man whose flat was set on fire after he was battered to death.

Leroy Burnett, 47, (pictured) of Crichton Street was discovered in his maisonette in the early hours of November 13, last year after the London Fire Brigade extinguished the blaze.

A post-mortem gave the cause of his death as head injuries.

Mr. Burnett was last seen on November 12 at around 8:00pm walking his brown Staffordshire terrier dog in nearby Wandsworth Road.

Detective Inspector Gary Arthur of the Homicide and Serious Crime Command, said: “We believe the area in and around Mr Burnett’s flat was quite busy with people coming and going, late into Friday evening and in to the early hours of Saturday.

“It was also fairly noisy with reports of fireworks being let-off in the immediate area.

“I am particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious from the premises, as they may hold vital information that could assist the investigation.”

Detectives are asking anyone with information to contact the incident room on 020 8721 4868 or to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

On November 19 police arrested a 37 year-old man and later a 23 year-old man who remain on bail.

The victim was stabbed on November 28, last year in Brook Lane North, Brentford along with his friend Scott Jennings, 31, who was upset about Fogden calling his girlfriend a "fat slag."

Initially Mr. Ramsey and Mr. Jennings – who suffered wounds to his back - did not realise they had been stabbed during the midnight showdown and walked a short distance before calling 999.

Mr. Ramsey died at the scene and Mr. Jennings received treatment for his injuries in hospital and was discharged.

Earlier in the day all four men were drinking in the Princess Royal pub, Brentford when Forgden insulted Mr. Jennings’ girlfriend and he phoned the defendants later to sort things out.

Fogden and Moles arrived armed with knives and stabbed both victims.

A few hours after the killing Paul Moles gave himself up at Hounslow police station and was arrested.

He made no comment in interview but later claimed to have acted as peacemaker.

Detective Inspector John McQuade of the Homicide and Serious Crime Command said: “The two defendants went to this meeting armed with weapons and with the joint intention of using violence to sort out a problem.

“This case demonstrates that nobody wins in this situation, and, that with the dedication and skills of specially trained detectives, you will get caught.”

Friday, 27 May 2011

A man has been charged with murdering his ex-girlfriend – prostitute Julie Dorsett, 33 – whose remains were found buried in an allotment nearly three years ago, following a six-year search.

Sinclair Lewis, 54, was arrested in Teignmouth, Devon on May 17, appeared at Hendon Magistrates’ Court the next day and will appear at the Old Bailey on August 24.

Julie,(pictured) of Wren Park House, Warwick Grove, Clapton, East London was last seen at a family friend’s home in Benthal Road, Stoke Newington on October 3, 2002.

Police were called to reports of human remains found at Lower Hall Allotments, Bridge Road, Walthamstow on August 28, 2008 and recovered a large quantity of bones from the upper body, including the skull, wrapped in a duvet.

Following extensive forensic examination and DNA testing, the remains were identified as Julie’s.

A post-mortem examination at East Ham Mortuary on September 12, 2008 failed to confirm the cause of death.

Her disappearance had previously been treated as suspicious and unexplained and following extensive enquiries and forensic examination, the case was declared a murder investigation.

Wednesday, 25 May 2011

A couple who violently attacked a mum-of-two when their pushchairs bumped on a North London bus – throwing the terrified passenger off the vehicle by her hair – have been sentenced.

The victim was sworn at, spat at and her head was banged against metal bars, leaving her with a cut ear, a bloodshot eye and soreness and bruising all over her body.

Nathaniel Pope, 21,(pic.top) of Derwent Rise, Kingsbury received four months imprisonment for the assault on the number 83 bus in Vivian Avenue, Hendon on January 17.

Amy Boyle, 19,(pic.middle) of Wynford Avenue, Islington received three months imprisonment, suspended for a year, was ordered to perform 100 hours community service, attend a women’s centre for 36 hours and banned from the number 83 bus route for twelve months.

After the pushchairs collided Boyle spat at the victim and Pope threw her around the packed bus, struck her head repeatedly against the bars, dragged her by the hair to the doors and threw her off.

She was thrown off a second time when she tried to rescue her two children who were still on board.

The entire incident was captured on CCTV both inside and outside (pic.bottom) the bus and show the victim being hit as well as recoiling in horror from being spat at.

After the attack she also felt nauseous, had disturbed vision and a headache and was unable to raise her arm or stand for long without feeling tired.

The oldest daughter who witnessed the attack also suffered from nightmares.

After a public appeal Pope and Boyle were charged on April 12.

Following the hearing at Hendon Magistrates Court Detective Sergeant Brad Crossley from the Barnet Beat Crimes Unit said: “I think this sentence is well merited as it was a sickening attack on a lone woman with children.

“Neither of the convicted showed any remorse for their actions either in interview or in court.

“The CCTV on the bus provided compelling evidence of the despicable nature of this attack.

“In cases like this is important that a strong message is sent that this sort of behaviour is totally unacceptable and the consequences will be a prison sentence.”

Monday, 23 May 2011

Police have released this E-fit of a man who launched an unprovoked attack on a lone woman walking through the Square Mile – described by the investigating detective as “disturbing.”

The 35 year-old was in Duke’s Place, Aldgate at 9:45pm on May 2 when she was suddenly attacked from behind by the mystery assailant.

The woman, who had been visiting a friend and her new-born baby in hospital said: “It was so frightening and it all happened so fast.

“The man had a lot of room to walk around me, I noticed a shadow behind me. Suddenly I felt a hard sharp pain in my back, and then the man just walked off.”

City of London Police are keen to identify the man featured in the e-fit, and are also asking for anyone who was in the area at the time and may be able to help to contact them.

Detective Inspector Edelle Michaels said: “This was an unprovoked and disturbing attack. There would appear to be no motive and we do not know whether this man will strike again.

“What we do know is that we need to catch him. Moments after the attack a female member of the public walked past and then two men shortly afterwards.

“I would urge these potential witnesses to come forward as they may hold a vital clue to solving this crime.”

The officer also looked to reassure the public that crimes of this type of very rare in the City: “I would reassure the public that we are doing everything we can to identify the suspect and extra patrols are being conducted.”

Anyone with information should contact Detective Constable Lee Drury at Bishopsgate Police Station on 0207 601 2662 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Saturday, 21 May 2011

Police are appealing for witnesses to yet another black-on-black East London shooting – this time a mile from the 2012 Olympic stadium.

The risks of building the stadium in the middle of a crime blackspot were highlighted yet again when a teenager was blasted at midnight.

The 18 year-old was walking home with a pal in Abbey Road, Stratford (pictured) when he saw an armed man in a car park who shot him in the right arm.

He was rushed to Newham General Hospital and transferred to another East London hospital, where he remains in a stable condition.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Operation Trident North shootings team - which specialises in investigating violent black-on-black crime - on 020 8217 7377 or Crimestopppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Friday, 20 May 2011

A late-night home-invasion burglar – who tried to escape justice by dramatically fleeing a North London courthouse – has been locked-up for ten years.

Homeless Luke Nseki, 27, who was involved in a terrifying raid on a middle-aged mum, her two sons and a lodger, fled on foot from Wood Green Crown Court (pictured).

He was being sentenced on May 5 for burgling the house in Hertford Road, Enfield on November 10, last year snatching cash, laptops, watches and mobile phones.

At noon he vaulted the court dock and was pursued by security staff and a police officer, who happened to be outside waiting for another case.

Police Constable Trevor Wright, of Barnet police, saw Nseki crash though the front doors of the court, and after a lengthy foot chase managed caught the defendant in Vincent Road.

He was returned to the court and sentenced for the burglary on the 52 year-old woman and her sons aged 23 and 26, who were forced to lie down and threatened with violence.

Their 26 year-old lodger managed to escape through his bedroom window and called police.

The victims were asleep when a brick wrapped in a towel was used to smash rear patio windows at 2:30am.

The mum had a towel placed over her head and her 23 year-old son’s hands were taped behind him and he was threatened with being shot and having his fingers cut off if he did not hand over cash.

He was then stabbed in the arm with a hand-held garden fork.

When police arrived they caught Nseki in nearby Broadlands Avenue with some of the stolen items found in nearby gardens.

PC Wright, a response team officer based at Colindale police station said: “I saw this man was making an attempt to escape from justice.

“I gave chase and was able to detain him. I am just glad that my action has helped ensure that justice could be served.”

Detective Constable Colin James, the investigating officer from Enfield police, said: “This was a serious offence with a family subjected to a terrifying ordeal. I’m glad this has been reflected in the ten-year jail term given to Nseki.”

Wednesday, 18 May 2011

A Father Christmas look-a-like who pointed a gun in the face of a taunting 15 year-old girl outside his suburban home - and pulled the trigger - after she shouted: "What's up Santa Claus" was jailed for three years today.

Hugh Vipond, 60, of Crichton Road, Carshalton - the long-standing chairman of Carshalton Fields Residents Association - was woken by four noisy girls and put on his dressing gown and armed himself with an unloaded German-made 5.5 calibre cartridge-loading air-gun.

"Four giggling teenage girls were was passing your house making a noise and that behaviour irritated you to the point of rage," Croydon Crown Court Judge Simon Pratt told tearful Vipond.

"You took your father-in-law's old gas powered cartridge revolver and went out to confront those girls, one of whom made the mistake of making fun of you. She called you Father Christmas.

"You pulled the gun out of the pocket of your dressing gown, held it to her face within a foot and said: 'Look what I can do,' and pulled the trigger.

"That terrified the life out of her as well as having a serious psychological effect on her."

First-time offender Vipond,(pictured) who needs two walking sticks due to severe arthritis, was recovering from a painful hernia procedure that day and had taken a cocktail of painkillers and whiskey to help him sleep.

He was convicted by a jury of possessing a firearm, with intent to cause fear of violence, on December 4, 2009 and avoided the usual five-year minimum due to 'exceptional circumstances'.

He maintains his innocence - claiming to have no recollection of the incident outside his CCTV protected house - and told the jury he would never be upset by being called Santa Claus.

"I have been called Santa lots of times. At work I used to dress up and turn the operations room into a grotto," said the former London Underground Inspector. "I got told off for it, but that didn't bother me."

Vipond's lawyer Mr. Anthony Bell told the court: "His home in Carshalton is somewhere he loves more than he can explain. His award-winning garden is a place he has devoted hours to.

"It is a gun that could have been used to fire pellets, but there were no pellets and no gas to fill the cartridge," added the lawyer. "It was used over a short period of time as a threat, rather than anything else.

"This was not pre-meditated, but used on the spur of the moment, there was no prolonged use and it was over in a couple of minutes.

"The gun was kept in a safe and there is no evidence the gun had ever been fired," said Mr. Bell. "There was no ammunition found that could have been fired using that gun.

"The effect of any prison sentence is likely to be far more significant than on a normal able-bodied man of his age.

"He is a popular man that gets involved in the community. He is honest, good company, reliable and hard-working when he is able to."

In his twenties Vipond helped rescue a woman from a burning building and suffered a fractured skull and ribs when assaulted on the Underground.

"It is clear that her life has been difficult since this incident and her school work and grades have dipped alarmingly to the point she has to have a school counsellor," said Judge Pratt.

"There has never been an apology from you and you made her relive the experience in court. You tried to bluster and charm your way out of this case."

"I am amazed at the list. I cannot believe it," claimed Jones. "I believed June just bought wormers, I did not see volumes of medicine everywhere. We are not talking about warehouses and marketing."

The fifty-horse stud is Jones' retirement plan and he insisted his animals and those of his clients were not given illegal medicines.

"You are saying the horses were drugged up to the eyeballs, but they would not have been. To my knowledge we did not do it, I certainly did not."

Lock told the jury he bought the riding school, but was not involved in the day-to-day running of the business since 2002.

He is the named company secretary for the school and his ex-wife Michelle - who was not arrested - is the listed company director.

"I had nothing to do with it at all," insisted Lock. "It is a mystery to me, it has nothing to do with me."

When asked why his name appears on a Eurovet client list along with his phone number, Lock replied: "I can't answer that.

"I never went down the stables a great deal. My wife's words were: 'You run your business and I'll run mine'."

He suggested a mystery man known only as J Hawkins, who rented a stable at the school, may have been responsible for ordering the illicit shipments, but this individual has never been traced by the police or DEFRA.

The fact his mobile number pops up in Eurovet client lists does not mean he was importing medicines, insisted Lock. "My wife could have taken my phone and used it at any time."

The court heard the 18-horse school received deliveries of up to half a ton of medication.

Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to a combined total of 34 charges of illegally importing and distributing unauthorised or prescription-only veterinary medicines.

Lock is accused of buying £155,000 of veterinary medicines between January 2004 and September 2008 and Jones £61,000 worth from January 2004.

Married couple Ronald Meddes, 72, and Regine Lansley, 61, - nicknamed 'Ronnie and Reggie' - were the bosses of France-based 'Eurovet' and sold the medicines - many of which originated in Australia and India - and they will also be sentenced later.